Strategy #2

Communicate simply and clearly in all languages used.

Residents have an easier time understanding what the City offers and what services are relevant to them if all digital and non-digital services use simple and plain language.

Here’s how to Communicate Simply

Review reading level of service-oriented prose, including content in languages other than English. Include results in the Mayor’s Management Report.

Endorse 43

Test key service language with residents to ensure that it is clear and understandable.

Endorse 26

Use audio, video, or graphics to describe services; do not rely exclusively on text. (City staff, check out this digital library of photos for your use.)

Endorse 25

Ensure that all prose is machine-readable and machine-translatable, including documents in PDF format.

Endorse 26

Assemble a task force of agency staff to conduct plain language workshops for their colleagues.

Endorse 53

Establish a citywide photo-sharing resource to incorporate imagery into digital services.

Endorse 32

Develop and expand citywide iconography and usage guidelines.

Endorse 25

Tell Us Your Idea

We encourage you to submit feedback and tell us what you think as we continue to refine the playbook and share best practices.

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